Eland and moose exemplify lip-reading ruminants
Taurotragus oryx photo © Quartl
Alces alces photo © Przykuta
Ruminants – including the largest species of antelope and deer – must remain vigilant for predators despite the continual chewing that mars their hearing. Visual monitoring of their companions’ mouths allows them to notice any individual that suspiciously stops chewing. Previously unnoticed by zoologists are the dark and pale markings accentuating the lips and lower jaw in the common eland and the moose, which potentially aid this collective vigilance.
Robin and the Honey Badger, 22 March 2016
Photographs:
Taurotragus oryx mouth markings
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Taurotragus oryx mouth markings while chewing
Alces alces mouth markings while chewing
Taurotragus oryx photo © lmnop88a
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